Bass Coast Health (BCH) is grateful for the support of the Miners’ Dispensary in Wonthaggi for contributing a total of $13,277 towards new equipment at the hospital.
The Miners’ Dispensary gave $8,277 that enabled BCH to buy a jaundice meter for our Midwifery Department. This compact device measures a baby’s skin to check for jaundice, whereas previously the only way to do this was for the baby to have a blood test via a heel prick.
The jaundice meter can also be used by our Midwives in the community, when they conduct home visits to check on babies.
The Miner’s Dispensary also gave $5,000 towards the cost of a portable observation machine. The remaining $2,160 was raised by fundraisers organised by Graduate Nurse Rachel Bott, who works in Theatre at Wonthaggi Hospital. Rachel raised the funds by holding three barbecues and a raffle, and distributing donation tins throughout the community.
BCH Volunteer and Fundraising Manager Kerry Redmond said the community would benefit from the Miners’ Dispensary support and thanked them for their ongoing partnership with BCH.
"As a public health service, donations we receive from our community help us to provide a higher level of care and services to our community, close to home,” she said.
“BCH appreciates the generosity of the Miners’ Dispensary in funding this equipment that will enable our nurses and midwifery team to perform their roles with greater efficiency and more convenience for our patients.
“We also value the time and effort Rachel put in to organising her fundraisers, and going the extra mile to support the community she cares for.”
Trevor Bowler, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Miners’ Dispensary, said, “On behalf of the Board of the Miners’ Dispensary, we sincerely acknowledge the loyal and generous support of our members and the dedication of our staff that enables us to make significant donations to the community, such as this equipment for Bass Coast Health. This will greatly benefit patients in this fantastic facility, which we, as a community, are incredibly grateful to have.”
Miners’ Dispensary General Manager Sally Cairnduff said, “We are proud of our local hospital and our non-for-profit organisation, the Miners’ Dispensary, is proud to support health services in our community.”
Rachel said supporting her community was “an investment in our shared future”.
“We have a wonderful, generous and kind community. Completing this fundraiser really warmed my heart knowing that so many local people care about our hospital and our healthcare,” she said.